Welcome to Digital Nova Scotia, Sophie, Ben and Mahtab!

We’re excited to welcome three new co-op students this Fall! They’ll be joining our marketing and projects teams. Let’s get to know them a little better!

Share a bit about yourself, Sophie!

I was born and raised in Toronto and moved to Halifax to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce Co-op Degree at Dalhousie University, where I’m currently in my third year. I completed a marketing co-op in the aeros

pace industry, which sparked my interest in the tech sector and ultimately led me to join DNS for my current co-op. I’m excited to learn more about the growing tech sector in Nova Scotia and apply my passion for marketing to it!

What do you love most about your program at University?

What I love most about the Bachelor of Commerce Co-op program at Dalhousie University is the co-op terms, which allow me to gain hands-on experience outside the classroom and explore different industries and professions. I also appreciate the support we receive from Management Career Services at Dalhousie, from interview preparation to resume assistance. This support makes finding a co-op placement an enjoyable experience.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia? Is there an area that interests you the most?

I find the overall growth of the tech sector in Nova Scotia exciting. The province has become a hotspot for innovation and entrepreneurship, and I’m eager to see where this development will lead. Currently, I am particularly interested in the advancements in artificial intelligence and how they will transform the experiences of both businesses and customers.

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My dream career would involve traveling around the world. Currently, I hope to work in marketing or sales, possibly within the tech sector. In five to ten years, I aim to be pursuing this dream career and also plan to complete a Master of Business Administration.

What’s something you're passionate about that would surprise us?

I love to ski, whether it’s downhill or cross-country. I’ve been skiing since I was two years old and even raced for a while. I’m also a certified ski instructor and have taught young children how to ski for a few winters.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

• My watch
• My Hoka running shoes
• My AirPods

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? Spring Android or iPhone? iPhone Comedy or Thriller? Comedy Coffee or Tea? Coffee Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl Ocean or Lake? Ocean Fun fact: I used to dance competitively!

Share a bit about yourself, Ben!

My name is Ben Ruthard, and I am currently in my third year at Dalhousie University pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree. I was born and raised in Toronto, but moved to the beautiful Halifax to pursue my post-secondary education. In the past, I have worked in both sales and client service roles, which has allowed me to develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. When I am not working on my craft, you can catch me playing or watching sports, writing movie reviews on Letterboxd, or having a heated debate with one of my friends.

What do you love most about your program at University?

The opportunity to gain work experience at wonderful places like Digital Nova Scotia! The Dalhousie Commerce Co-op program offers amazing work terms that will be extremely valuable throughout my professional career.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia? Is there an area that interests you the most?

The opportunity for development and innovation is what excites me the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia. The tech sector is critical throughout Nova Scotia as it allows for the opportunity to enhance local businesses, and drive overall economic growth.

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My dream career is to be a business owner within the entertainment industry. I have always enjoyed the idea of being a business owner, as it allows me to best use my creativity, communication and work-ethic skills. In 5 to 10 years, I most likely see myself working in a sales and marketing role, as it combines both my skills and interests which motivates me to succeed.

What’s something you're passionate about that would surprise us?

While there are many things that I am passionate about, the most surprising is my passion for classic rock.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

1. My Airpods 2. My Sunglasses 3. My Scalp Massager

Quick hitters!

Spring or Fall? Fall Android or iPhone? iPhone Comedy or Thriller? A good thriller is better than a good comedy but a bad comedy is better than a bad thriller. Coffee or Tea? Coffee Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? Night Owl Ocean or Lake? Ocean Fun fact: I am an extremely dominant poker player

Share a bit about yourself, Mahtab!

Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh I moved to Vancouver to attend SFU! Later on I completed an Associates degree and joined Cariboo Chilcotin Child Development Centre in Operations and worked for 2 years. Once I gained PR in Canada I decided to move to attend Dalhousie University and finish my undergraduate degree. Currently I am in the 3rd year of the Bachelor of Commerce program and majoring in Finance. My last work term was with RBC Bedford as a Business Analyst in the Technology & Operations team and also supported the International Trade Finance division with the Toronto team. Excited to learn and contribute to Digital NS's mission and enjoy this work term!!

What do you love most about your program at University?

Dalhousie has a robust co-op network, specially for the Commerce program. I think it is a valuable tool to utilize and grow a career via networking.

What excites you the most about the tech sector in Nova Scotia? Is there an area that interests you the most?

Nova Scotia is a hub for most immigrants and I think that is a unique selling point for the tech sector as more skilled people are entering the province making it more capable. I am interested in the fintech industry and try to keep an eye for new developments in the area for open banking.

What is your dream career? Where do you see yourself in five to ten years?

My dream career is to work in the domain of financial consulting either in a boutique Investment Bank or large bulge bracket.

What’s something you're passionate about that would surprise us?

I am quite passionate about mentorship. While it seems like work, there is a great feeling to be able to help somebody reach their goals and also learn from the experience myself.

What three items you cannot live without (excluding food, water etc-)?

AirPods, Wallet, Phone.

Quick hitters!

Quick hitters! Spring or Fall? - Fall Android or iPhone? - iPhone Comedy or Thriller? - Thriller Coffee or Tea? - Coffee Chocolate or Vanilla? - Chocolate Laptop or Desktop? - Laptop Breakfast or Dinner? - Dinner Early Bird or Night Owl? - Night Owl (it's changing to Early Bird gradually) Ocean or Lake? - Lake Fun fact: I help set up network servers/ IT systems with my friend for large coffee chains and grocery chains on the side. :)